How to Equip a Darkroom

First, assess your needs. If all you want is decent prints to give to family and friends, opt for moderately priced equipment. Serious amateurs may want to invest in a more expensive setup.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blackout Materials
• Enlarger Timers
• Extractor Fans
• Masking Easels
• Print Dryers
• Print Processing Timers
• Storage Bottles
• Tongs
• Pespex Squeegee Panels
• Developing Tank And Reels
• Enlargers
• Fixer
• Focusing Aids
• Hypo Clearing Agent
• Light Boxes
• Paper Safes
• Plastic Graduates
• Printing Trays
• Safelights
• Stop Bath

1. Purchase film processing and printing equipment including an enlarger, print chemical trays, chemicals, developing tank and reels, masking easel and focusing aid.

2. Purchase fixtures for the darkroom such as a safelight, paper safe, blackout material, extractor fan and, if necessary, shelves and workbenches.

3. Compare the various features and prices of these items offered by different manufacturers by looking in photography trade magazines.

4. Choose four trays, ideally 11 inches by 14 inches, for printing chemicals.

5. Get a Pespex squeegee panel, which looks like a glossy, thick piece of plastic, to hang behind a sink.

Tips & Warnings

• You can get all of these items online or through mail order.
• Compare prices carefully; shop where professional photographers shop to get the best deals.
• Invest in a high-quality enlarger and enlarger lens for the best results.
• Opt for simple, quality equipment. Leave the fancy gadgets to the professionals.
• Avoid buying chemicals in large amounts unless you plan to print often; the chemicals have a limited shelf life.